Name: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch black pepper; ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup water; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 medium onion, sliced; 2 carrots, julienned; 3 green onions, chopped; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 cups cooked jasmine rice; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 2 tablespoons green onions, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 9 reviews

If you’re looking for a quick, vibrant meal that brings classic Asian flavors to your dinner table, this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is your new best friend. It combines juicy, tender chicken with crisp, colorful vegetables and a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce that glazes every bite with perfect sweetness and tang. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is an absolute lifesaver on busy nights yet delicious enough to impress anyone sitting at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In the image, there is a white bowl filled with several pieces of raw light pink chicken thighs in the center. Around the bowl, there are colorful vegetable slices: bright orange carrot sticks on the left, green broccoli florets on the left behind the carrots, and sliced bell peppers in red, yellow, and white behind the bowl. To the right, there are clear glass bowls holding dark soy sauce, amber-colored honey or syrup, a reddish-brown sauce, and white powdery cornstarch. Scattered near these bowls are chopped white and light green onion pieces, whole peeled garlic cloves, and a whole piece of light brown ginger root. All items rest on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the tender chicken thighs providing hearty protein to the crunchy vegetables offering freshness and color. The homemade sauce blends sweet, salty, and tangy notes perfectly, making this dish irresistibly tasty and wholesome.

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs: Choose thighs for juicy and tender texture that holds up well during stir-frying.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat cooking without overpowering flavors.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps give the chicken a light coating that crisps up and thickens the sauce.
Pinch of salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce: The salty, umami-rich base of the teriyaki sauce, balanced with less sodium for health.
¼ cup water: Used to thin the sauce just enough for perfect coating.
3 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness for that classic teriyaki flavor.
2 tablespoons honey: Brings natural sweetness and a beautiful sheen to the sauce.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds subtle tanginess to balance the sweetness.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Mixed with water, it thickens the sauce to a glossy finish.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides bold aromatic depth.
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds bright warmth and a slight peppery bite.
2 cups broccoli florets: A green powerhouse packs crunch, nutrition, and vibrant color.
1 red bell pepper, sliced: Offers sweetness and eye-catching red hues.
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Joins the party with another pop of color and mild sweetness.
1 medium onion, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and soft texture contrasts.
2 carrots, julienned: For crunch and a splash of cheerful orange.
3 green onions, chopped: Garnishes the dish with fresh, sharp flavors.
4 cups cooked jasmine rice: The perfect fragrant base to soak up all those yummy juices.
1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Adds subtle nuttiness and a lovely crunch garnish.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and soak up the sauce better. Chop all the vegetables—the broccoli, bell peppers, onion, carrots, and green onions—as this will keep your cooking flow smooth and quick. Whisk together the teriyaki sauce ingredients, ensuring the cornstarch is fully dissolved for that silky finish.

Step 2: Coat and Brown the Chicken

Toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. This simple coating helps the chicken develop a beautiful golden crust while thickening the sauce later on. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and stir-fry the chicken pieces until they’re cooked through and have a bit of a crisp on the edges. Then, set the chicken aside to rest while you tackle the veggies.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed and toss in the onions and carrots first—these take a little longer to soften. After a couple of minutes, add the sliced bell peppers and broccoli florets, continuing to stir fry until all the vegetables are crisp-tender. This step is key to keeping the vegetables vibrant, crunchy, and full of freshness.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the browned chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the mixture and stir everything while the sauce thickens and becomes beautifully glossy. The sauce will cling to every ingredient, tying together the savory, sweet, and tangy notes that make this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe so satisfying.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

The image shows a black pan filled with cooked chicken pieces, green and red bell pepper chunks, and broccoli florets mixed together. The chicken pieces are golden brown and slightly shiny from sauce, with some sesame seeds sprinkled on top. The green bell peppers have a soft texture and rich green color, while the red bell peppers add bright red pops. The broccoli florets are bright green and appear lightly cooked. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of chopped green onions on top add contrast in texture and bursts of fresh flavor, bringing the entire dish to life with an inviting look and a subtle nuttiness.

Side Dishes

This stir fry is fantastic served over steaming jasmine rice, which soaks up all those mouthwatering pan juices. For a lighter meal, serve alongside steamed or lightly sautéed bok choy, edamame, or even a simple cucumber salad to introduce refreshing crunch and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or casual gathering, consider serving the Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe family-style in a large, vibrant serving bowl with extra garnishes on the side. You can also wrap it up in warm lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld take or pile it over fluffy rice noodles for a twist on classic takeout flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is quite possible), store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the stir fry taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to save a meal for later. Portion the stir fry into freezer-safe containers, ensuring it’s completely cooled first, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often to warm evenly without drying out the chicken or wilting the vegetables too much. You can add a splash of water or additional soy sauce if needed to refresh the sauce’s consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster, but be careful not to overcook them, or they might become a bit dry. You might want to reduce the cooking time slightly.

Is it okay to use frozen vegetables?

You can, but fresh vegetables hold their crispness better. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess water to avoid a soggy stir fry.

Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Just whisk it again before using to recombine any settled ingredients.

What can I substitute for rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in equal amounts for similar tanginess.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe truly celebrates the joy of cooking something fast, flavorful, and full of color. It’s a surefire way to boost weeknight dinners or impress last-minute guests with minimal fuss. Once you try it, this vibrant, saucy stir fry will likely become a staple in your recipe rotation. So grab your skillet, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to savor every bite!